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The state AG has launched a new reporting form asking citizens to provide photos and videos of immigration raids around New York. This action comes just a shortly after a significant enforcement action rattled Chinatown in Manhattan, triggering large-scale outcry.

US Citizens Held During Enforcement Action

A congressional representative revealed during a Wednesday press conference that four American citizens were taken into custody and detained for "about 24 hours" after the enforcement action. Protests broke out in NYC on both Tuesday and Wednesday.

"Each citizen is entitled to exist without intimidation," the AG stated in a statement.

"If you witnessed and documented ICE activity yesterday, I urge you to share that evidence with the authorities. We are dedicated to reviewing these reports and evaluating any wrongdoings."

Submission Process

The portal offers fields to send visual evidence of the operation, plus a field to specify where it occurred. When submitting, submitters must check a box that states that "authorities could utilize any evidence provided in a official report, such as in a court case or public report."

Information about the Manhattan Operation

The Chinatown raid, which observers say involved dozens of federal agents, occurred in a popular district of NYC where fake products and merchandise are regularly available in large quantities – often to tourists.

Footage of the operation show several covered and weaponized officers zip-tying and detaining a man, and pushing back onlookers. Masses of residents pursued the personnel along the roads. An military-style transport was noticed rolling through the Manhattan avenues.

Political Response

In a midweek briefing featuring the immigrant advocacy group, the congressman, a Democratic representative, stated that four American citizens were arrested by immigration for almost a full day and that there were "no circumstances where US citizens should be taken for no reason." He said the citizens were released on the following day with no charges filed.

"There's a clear purpose here. It is not focused on deporting lawbreakers," he said. "This is a militarized effort to create conflict. It is simply a pretext to provoke conflict for federal officials to deploy the troops to halt violence that they themselves caused."

Extensive Outcry

Anger over the immigration operation quickly spread – all three political contenders denounced the raid, as did Governor Kathy Hochul.

"Repeatedly, the Trump administration selects oppressive displays that create fear, rather than security. It needs to cease," a contender wrote.

New York City immigrant rights groups spoke out too.

"Immigration agents targeted Chinatown in NYC with armored transports, masked agents and protective equipment to focus on street vendors trying to make a living. This operation had no connection to public safety and everything to do with terrorizing immigrant families and neighborhoods," remarked the leader of a rights organization.

Official Guidelines

ICE policy forbids the holding of citizens and the bureau has claimed it refrains from apprehend American nationals. Nevertheless, independent reporting has found that numerous citizens have been held against their will by immigration authorities since the beginning of the current administration.

Ongoing Trend

Enforcement actions have been rising in frequency in NY and nationwide recently.

An October operation in the city center was the initial documented operation on an immigrant shelter of the existing leadership. Protests against immigration enforcement are widespread including claims of violence and inhumane treatment.

Latest, a letter submitted by civil rights groups stated medical neglect of expectant mothers in detention centers.